My Priorities for District 18
I’m focused on lowering everyday costs, improving our schools, and keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Lower the Cost of Living
Families should be able to afford groceries, medicine, and the care they need.
- Remove the general excise tax from groceries and over the counter medicines.
- Expand the medical care tax exemption to include patients with private insurance and those paying out of pocket.
- Make sure businesses stop adding GET charges to purchases covered by these exemptions.
Invest in Our Public Schools
Our students deserve safe classrooms and the teachers and staff they need to succeed.
- Reduce the school repair backlog, starting with broken bathrooms, leaking roofs, and other health and safety concerns.
- Fund enough plumbers, electricians, custodians, and maintenance staff to keep schools in good condition.
- Address teacher and support staff shortages through paid training, mentoring, and efforts to keep experienced employees.
- Give families clear updates on school repairs, completion dates, and staffing needs.
Strengthen Public Safety Through Successful Reentry
Helping people build stable lives after incarceration can help prevent repeat offenses and make our communities safer.
- Strengthen release planning so people can obtain a state ID, find a safe place to stay, and apply for food and health benefits they qualify for.
- Connect people with job training, employment, mental health care, and substance use treatment before they return to the community.
- Fund transitional housing and caseworkers who provide support after release.
- Track results, including housing stability, employment, and repeat offenses.
Protect Our Neighborhoods
My service on Honolulu’s Zoning Board of Appeals showed me how illegal development and zoning disputes affect residents. I will bring that experience to the Legislature to help protect District 18.
- Support county enforcement against illegal construction, unsafe building practices, and unlawful vacation rentals.
- Improve coordination between state and county agencies so violations receive timely follow through.
- Hold contractors accountable for serious or repeated violations through state licensing oversight.
- Help residents get clear answers and updates when they report neighborhood concerns.